The Power of Responsibility: A Game-Changer for Nurses

Nurses are some of the most responsible people on the planet. It’s part of the job. We care deeply about our patients, we anticipate needs before they’re spoken, and we take pride in being dependable professionals. In fact, according to Gallup, nurses have been ranked the most trusted profession for over two decades.

But what happens when that deep sense of responsibility begins to feel like a burden?

When we operate under stress, exhaustion, or frustration, our energy can drop into catabolic levels—what we might recognize as resentment, anger, or helplessness. At Level 1 or 2 energy, it’s easy to suppress our feelings in the name of “just getting through the shift,” or to react defensively, feeling powerless or combative.

I’ve been there.

A Lesson From The Floor

Years ago, when I was a staff nurse, it was finally my turn to have Christmas Day off. I was looking forward to spending it with my family, until I was told I’d need to work the day shift due to staffing shortages.

I was furious. It felt unfair.

I argued my case with the nurse leader, explaining that it was my turn, that I had plans, that this wasn’t right. But it got me nowhere. I was seen as difficult, not a team player. And still—I had to work.

Eventually, I realized that while I couldn’t change the situation, I did have a choice: I could show up angry and resentful, or I could bring some holiday cheer and create a positive experience for my patients and teammates.

I chose the second option.

At the time, I didn’t know about the 7 Levels of Energy, but I was unknowingly shifting from Level 2 catabolic energy (anger, frustration) to Level 3—taking responsibility and finding a way to make the best of the situation.

That shift changed everything.

We had a fun shift, patients were joyful, staff felt appreciated, and the nursing officer even visited with a box of chocolates to thank me personally. I went home with a full heart, not a heavy one.

What Does It Mean to Take Responsibility?

Taking responsibility doesn’t mean accepting blame or being walked over. It means owning your energy, your response, and your impact. In energy terms, Level 3 is where we start to see how we can reframe situations and take constructive action—even when circumstances don’t change.

It’s the energy of cooperation, tolerance, and productivity. And for nurses, it’s a critical shift when we’re feeling stuck or burned out.

4 Ways to Step Into Responsibility as a Nurse

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

Suppressing emotions doesn’t help. Recognize when you’re feeling resentful, depleted, or frustrated. Awareness is the first step.

2. Ask: “What Do I Still Have Control Over?”

Even in tough situations, you can control your attitude, your tone, your contribution, and your boundaries.

3. Choose Your Lens

Reframe the story. Is this an inconvenience—or a chance to lead by example, bring joy, or create connection?

4. Practice Energy Leadership

Learn to recognize when you’re operating in catabolic energy (Levels 1 & 2) and consciously shift to a more empowering level, like responsibility (Level 3) or concern for others (Level 4).

 You Have More Power Than You Think

Nurses are natural leaders, and with awareness, we can use our energy more purposefully. We can’t always change the situation, but we can change how we show up in it—and that can change everything.

Want to learn more about the 7 Levels of Energy?

Download the Energetic Self-Perception Chart and learn about the thoughts, feelings and actions at each level.

Awareness is the first step to anabolic energy.